THE EFFECTS OF POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE SOCIAL EXCHANGES ON AGING ADULTS

This study tested various models of the effects of positive and negati ve exchanges on positive and negative affect using structural equation modeling. Based on a probability sample of middle-aged and older adul ts, the relationships between social exchanges and psychological well- being were examined both within the total sample and within subgroups of individuals who had experienced few vs many life events. Within the general population, the Domain Specific Model resulted in the best fi t. That is, positive exchanges were associated with positive affect, a nd negative exchanges were associated with negative affect. However, a mong the subgroup that had experienced more life events, there was a s ignificantly stronger between negative exchanges and negative affect. These findings suggest that, to understand the effects of social excha nges, it is important to consider the context of life events.